@earther : I understood the risks associated with any procedure to the heart and the possible percentage of success rate. As I indicated I had it performed twice, once to deploy the watchman, another to install a device to seal the leakage by another surgeon. I guess I was pretty lucky that other than the normal effect of the surgeries, it appeared that I did not experience any other side effect. No issue during the surgeries. So now I am only taking baby aspirin (81mg) daily with no more blood thinner like Eliquis. I had an aneurysm in my brain caused by my first bleeding stroke which was also "fixed" with put coil in there. It was explained to me that most of the blood clots in AFIP individuals are caused in the appendage of the heart. I admit I was quite scare or anxious prior to the Watchman procedure in considering the pros and cons. I decided it was worth the risk for me and my wife (a retired RN) and I consider the side effect and danger of keep taking Eliquis. I appreciate you stating all the danger and side effect of the Watchman procedure. Your cardiologist may not recommend such procedure due to you condition. My procedures were completed in 2023. This is surely a very personal decision even if your cardiologist recommends it, one is good and successful is not necessarily good for the others.